Cardin, Ruppersberger, Bartlett challenged in Md. races

Md. Senate race includes self-funded independent

UPDATED 10:00 AM EST Nov 06, 2012

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -

While heavily Democratic Maryland isn't considered a battleground state in the race between President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney, voters have been seeing an unusual Maryland U.S. Senate race.

Sobhani has made this Senate race different by entering in September and abruptly raising his profile by spending more than $5 million of his own money on his campaign. Libertarian Dean Ahmad also is running.

In Maryland, registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 2-1 margin.

In the state's 2nd Congressional District, long-time incumbent and Democrat Dutch Ruppersberger is going up against Republican state Sen. Nancy Jacobs, who currently represents Cecil and Harford counties.

The state's most closely watched congressional race is in western Maryland's 6th Congressional District. Republican Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, a 10-term incumbent, is trying to fend off a challenge from Democrat John Delaney, who has been endorsed by former President Bill Clinton.

In the 1st District, Republican Andy Harris is running for re-election virtually unopposed. His challengers include a Libertarian and a write-in candidate supported by the Democratic Party.

The races have been made more interesting this cycle because the districts have been re-drawn. The congressional map itself is on the ballot as referendum Question 5.

Copyright 2012 by WBALTV.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.